JP2005339543A - Infrared safety system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automated safety system having at least one projector to direct electromagnetic energy into a region of space associated with a security, warning, or safety zone. <P>SOLUTION: A detector or detectors senses an interruption of the electromagnetic energy in the region of space by an object or person that may enter the space. The system includes a processor and a storage component, wherein the processor determines the interruption by comparing a current image from the detector with a previously stored image in the storage component. Upon detection, the processor triggers an event based upon the comparison, whereby the event includes such aspects as activating an output, de-energizing a machine, sounding a warning, sounding an alarm, storing data associated with the event, and sending a notification to a local or a remote system, for example. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates generally to industrial control systems, and more particularly to a system and method for projecting electromagnetic energy onto a region to determine the intrusion of a person or object into the region. It is. Here, the determination is made based on detection of electromagnetic energy shielding.

  Many safety systems operate on the principle of first determining the type of object in an area and then possibly deactivating some device after that determination. For example, many systems in the infrared safety field utilize methods that combine images and analyze the combined image using pixel spectrum power, intensity, and / or threshold. Other methods include techniques used to measure thermal properties, measure moving surfaces (reflectance, smoothness, etc.), and position. The following is a brief description of some current examples that employ one or more of the techniques described above.

  One example includes a remote detection system for monitoring the patient's position in real time and reporting changes in the setup for the patient from day to day, along with movements between individual procedures. In particular, this type of system detects (a) an irradiation light source for applying electromagnetic waves to a patient, (b) a target object that is fixed to the patient and reflects incident electromagnetic waves, and (c) detects the reflected electromagnetic waves. Two cameras and a computer for determining the current position of the target in a three-dimensional space; (d) data storage for storing the position of the target; and (e) the current position of the target in the data storage. A computer that also serves to compare with the stored location, and (f) for displaying the notification whenever the difference between the current location and the stored location exceeds the tolerance stored in the data store. Display. This type of system uses a reflected electromagnetic wave to determine the position of a person.

  Another example includes a system for detecting the presence and / or movement of a person or other moving entity within a selected space. Detection is performed by detecting reflected light or other electromagnetic waves from the space, and the presence is notified when the detected electromagnetic waves fluctuate up and down by an amount exceeding a predetermined threshold from the set background. The In order to prevent the entity from fusing with the background, the entity is observed while changing the background from at least two different angles, for example by using two spaced detectors. Also, the background change is automatically corrected when the presence statement continues for a selected period after the last motion indication is received. When this happens, the background is updated to the current level. In light irradiation, the light source has a structure that irradiates the entire space essentially, and in order to avoid saturation of the detector due to background electromagnetic waves, only electromagnetic waves in a narrow overlapping wavelength band related to the irradiation light source and the detector are allowed to pass. A band pass filter is used. This type of system operates by analyzing electromagnetic waves reflected from space, and the difference between the reflected electromagnetic waves is detected.

  In yet another example, the system includes an infrared detector having two cameras for viewing a scene to detect a person. Each of these cameras images the scene on a corresponding pixel array. One array is designed with a filter that is sensitive to light from 0.8 to 1.4 microns, while the other camera array has a filter that is sensitive from 1.4 to 2.2 microns. Designed. These arrays are spatially and temporally aligned with respect to the observed scene and pixel transmission dynamics. The spectral power of the pixels from both arrays is merged into a set of pixels with a difference weight. The fused pixels are thresholded and converted into another set of pixels having a binary value, either white or black. These pixels are displayed on a visible display and represent the segment image if a person is present in the observed scene. This type of system employs an image processing technique that analyzes the spectral intensity associated with the pixel.

  Another system includes a camera arrangement for detecting an object such as a driver or child seat located in front of or above a car seat. The system includes one camera for generating an image of any object at that location, and further includes an electromagnetic wave source such as an infrared light source. An image generated when the light source is operating is stored in the first memory, and an image when the light source is not operating is stored in the second memory. Those stored images are then differenced and all objects in the differenced image are identified by the image processor. The position of the object is also determined and used to inhibit or modify the operation of a safety device such as an air bag if it is a car. This type of system identifies objects by digital difference processing of images taken before and after illumination by a light source.

  The systems described above have a variety of uses, but they need to first receive the electromagnetic waves reflected from the object with a detector and then make post-processing decisions or identifications about the object. Have a problem. This type of analysis can cause errors due to object reflectivity, object velocity, and other factors related to object variables.

  In the following, a simplified overview of the invention is provided in order to obtain a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. This is not intended to identify key or important elements of the invention, nor is it intended to define the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

  The present invention relates to a system and method for irradiating a region (or a plurality of regions) with electromagnetic energy to determine whether a person or an object has entered the region. Rather than clearly identifying what actually entered the area, the determination is made based on detection of whether an intrusion has occurred in the area. That is, intrusion indications are directly, reliable, economical, and very reliable by detecting the lack of energy, rather than trying to identify or calculate the type of object in the image. Done. After the detection, an output device is used to stop a device operating in or near the area for the purpose of protecting a person or an object that has entered the area. In addition, a notification indicating that an intrusion has occurred is sent or recorded for further analysis.

  In one aspect, one or more projectors project electromagnetic energy (eg, an infrared spectrum image) onto a region or area designated as a security zone or safety zone. One or more cameras or digital detectors record an image from an area that has been energized during the period when only authorized objects are present in the area (or no object is present). For example, a space designated as a security zone includes a plurality of objects that normally exist in the space, or does not include any objects. An image acquired from a space where there is a permitted thing (or no thing) inside that space is then stored by the processor. Over time, the processor and detector acquire the current image from that space at predetermined time intervals.

  After obtaining the current image, the processor compares the current image to an image containing authorized things previously stored. If an intrusion has occurred, some of the energy received by the detector is blocked or prevented from reaching the detector by the intruding device or person. Thus, after image comparison (eg, digital difference processing of images), the processor detects shadows (eg, non-energized pixels) in the current image. Such detection can trigger further actions. For example, if a shadow or energy shading is detected, other events such as stopping a high-risk device or sounding a warning sound can be triggered. Other aspects include a method that employs multiple cameras to detect differences from a stored image, and the subsequent action is triggered when the difference is detected by one of the cameras. You may make it do. Furthermore, the multi-camera configuration is also employed to reconstruct the area three-dimensionally in order to detect the presence of objects and people.

  The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the invention. However, these embodiments are only suggestive of some of the various ways in which the principles of the present invention can be employed, and the present invention includes all such equivalents in addition to such embodiments. It is intended to be included. Other advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

  The present invention relates to a system and method for providing automated intrusion detection in a spatial domain in an industrial controller environment. An automated safety system is provided with at least one projector that projects electromagnetic energy into a spatial region associated with security, warning, or safety zones. The detector (s) detect that electromagnetic energy in the spatial region is blocked by an object or person entering the space. The system includes a processor and a storage component that determines intrusion by comparing the current image from the detector with an image previously stored in the storage component. When detection occurs, the processor triggers an event based on the comparison. The events include, for example, driving the output, shutting down the device, sounding a warning, sounding an alarm, storing data associated with the event, and sending a notification to a local or remote system Etc. are included. The processor and associated projector / detector can project / construct a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image to determine intrusion.

  In this specification, “parts”, “models”, “systems”, and other similar terms are used to refer to computer-related entities, which are hardware, hardware and software combinations. And software, or execution software supplied to an automated system for industrial control. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to, a process, processor, object, executable, execution thread, program, and computer running on the processor. For example, both an application running on a server and the server can be a component. One or more components can reside within one process and / or thread of execution, and one component can reside within one computer and / or more than one computer ( It can also be distributed between the industrial controllers and / or the modules that connect them (for example, via data packets and signals between computers).

  Referring first to FIG. 1, a system 100 illustrates an automated safety system according to one aspect of the present invention. System 100 includes one or more projectors 110 that project electromagnetic energy 120 (eg, an infrared spectral image) to an area or region 130 designated as a security zone or safety zone. In general, infrared light or energy 120 is selected because this type of electromagnetic wave is not visible to the human eye. However, it will be appreciated that other frequencies such as visible frequencies may be employed. One or more cameras or digital detectors 140 record the image 150 from the energized area 130 when there are only authorized objects in the area or when there are no objects. . For example, region 130 can be assigned as a security zone, and there is usually a fixed or no object present in that region. The image 150 obtained from the space when there is a permitted thing (or no thing) in the region 130 is then stored by the processor 160 with associated memory parts and corresponding processor support parts. . Over time, the processor 160 and detector 140 acquire the current image 150 from the region 130 at a predetermined time interval (eg, an interval of 10 or 20 hertz).

  After obtaining the current image 150, the processor 160 compares the current image with an image containing only previously stored tolerances. If there is an intrusion in region 130, some of the energy received by detector 140 is blocked or prevented from reaching detector 140 by the invading device or person. Note that intrusion can occur in region 130 from essentially any direction (eg, upward, downward, left, right, from an angled direction, etc.), as indicated at 180. Thus, after image comparison (e.g., image digital difference processing), processor 160 detects shadows (e.g., pixels that are not energized or pixels that have less energy) in the current image 150. . Subsequent actions can be triggered by such detection. For example, if a shadow or energy block is detected, the processor 160 may cause other actions such as stopping a high-risk device at 170, sounding a warning, or sending a notification (eg, an electronic message or email). Can be triggered. In determining the intrusion, it should be noted that a threshold value can be set in the processor 160 (for example, an event is triggered by a decrease in return energy at 3 pixels or more).

The system 100 can be employed in a variety of applications designed to promote safety in an industrial environment. In one aspect, the system 100 can be employed as an Infrared Safety Camera for stopping equipment and assembly operations at any point in the production cycle. This includes stopping the device via an event 170 that can trigger an output device, such as a relay. System 100 is generally not employed to protect devices with time saving or end of cycle applications. Examples of safety applications (eg shutting down equipment when an intrusion is detected) include robot cells (welding and assembly), packaging equipment, large equipment entrances, high temperature storage locations such as foundries, etc. . The system 100 can also be applied to the following industrial uses.
Automotive industry: welding robots
Assembly cell
Transport line general industry: Packaging
Storage and collection
Handling system
Conveyor system Steel industry: High temperature storage
Dusty environment
Other industrial fields where safety and security of equipment / people are important

  Other exemplary applications include employing multiple cameras to detect differences from stored images. Subsequent actions can be triggered if any of the cameras detects a difference. Furthermore, the multi-camera configuration can be adopted to reconstruct an area for detecting a person or an object in a three-dimensional manner. These applications are described in more detail below.

  Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary detection system 200 is shown according to one aspect of the present invention. System 200 includes an infrared safety camera 210 that provides two PNP safety outputs 220 that drive a safety relay 230 with an associated contactor 240. Infrared safety camera 210 can be designed to protect people and equipment from danger through moving parts and stored energy. The infrared safety camera 210 is a part of the safety system 200 having a function of detecting the presence of the infrared safety camera. Other components, such as safety relay 230 and contactor 240, are employed to shut down the devices after presence is detected.

  In one example, the infrared safety camera 210 includes a single infrared projector, two infrared cameras, a safety processor, software for the processor, and two safety outputs 220. The projector is mounted in a container with each camera (eg, each camera is mounted on either side of the projector) and the processor is housed in the same container with a safety output 220 if necessary. The The projector projects a pattern (cross, stripe, or other pattern) on the surface. Here, the surface need not be flat. In general, both cameras are pointed at the same area where the pattern is projected, and each camera is generally placed at a slightly different angle.

  In the following, exemplary operations of the system 200 are described, but other operations are also described.

  In one example, each camera has a single photo taken at the time of device installation. The current photo or image is taken at regular time intervals (eg, 10 hertz) and compared to the stored photo or image. When a difference from a photograph stored in any one camera is detected, it is compared with the active danger area to switch the state of the output 220.

  In another example, the camera combines current photographs to form a three-dimensional relief. As the three-dimensional relief changes, the processor determines whether a change has occurred in the danger zone (such as by a laser scanner) and if so, the output 220 of the infrared safety camera 210 changes state.

  The following aspects describe various features of the infrared safety camera 210.

  Pattern: By projecting a regular pattern, this can be regarded as a shape of detection resolution instead of relying on photography and pixel intensity. When an object such as an arm or a leg enters the zone where the pattern is projected, a shadow is created where the projection was originally (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The shadow or obstacle is then detected by the camera. If the pattern on the surface is, for example, 40 mm (when the minimum detected object size is 50 mm), this is observed as, for example, contour detection in accordance with the specification EN61496.

  Light: In general, the projected pattern should be invisible and non-hazardous infrared in the wavelength range of 840 nm to 950 nm. In general, it is not necessary to encode a light source (projector).

  Optical system: The projector can optionally include a zoom lens that can adjust the focal length.

  Software: Using software, the infrared safety camera 210 can be programmed in the same way as a safety laser scanner and can include a warning zone and a safety zone, described in detail below.

  Programming: Wire connections should be employed to visualize the actual photos taken and combined by both cameras. Through this picture, the safety zone (s) and warning zone (s) can be programmed independently. This can be accomplished, for example, in the same manner as the commercially available ABGM Safe Zone Safety Laser Scanner®.

  Mounting: The infrared safety camera 210 can be mounted vertically above or near the danger area and monitored at an angle toward or away from the danger spot. Optionally, for some applications, the camera can be mounted horizontally.

  Proceeding to FIG. 3, a system 300 according to one aspect of the present invention shows an image projected onto a clear zone prior to intrusion. System 300 includes a safety camera 310 with an associated camera 320 and projector 330. Projector 330 projects image 340 into a designated zone that includes a fixed object 350 therein. The zone on which the projected image 340 is projected means a clear zone at the time of initial introduction, that is, normally there is no object or person in the zone. During this time, each camera 320 acquires a photograph (pixel) of the image 340. These acquired images are shown as 360 and 370, respectively.

  FIG. 4 shows a projected image in a zone subjected to shading according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this aspect, the object 410 enters the designated zone and prevents electromagnetic energy from moving toward the 420 projected image. Projected image 420 is then acquired by the detector of safety camera 430. The acquired images are shown in a form with missing elements (or low-illuminance pixels) at 440 and 450, respectively. Thus, when comparing images 440 and 450 with an image without intruding object 410, some of the previously hit pixels are now darkened due to intrusion due to differential processing of each image (eg, the intensity of the digital value is It can be determined that the object has entered the zone. As described above, after detecting an intrusion, an event that triggers other actions, such as stopping the associated equipment, can be driven.

  FIG. 5 illustrates multiple zones and their shapes for an area 500 according to one aspect of the present invention. In this aspect, the area designated for protection can be partitioned into one or more zones having different dimensions and shapes (eg, circle, triangle, rectangle, irregular shape, cube, etc.). For example, the warning zone 510 can be configured on the outer periphery of the area 500, and if an object is detected there, a warning or some other indication can be provided without actually stopping the associated equipment. If an object enters the safety zone 520, a more direct action can be taken, such as turning off power to the corresponding device. As can be appreciated, one or more other zones 530 can be similarly configured, each with various results and events set for objects that enter those zones.

  In general, the system of the present invention is designed for industrial use. That is, its role is to detect the approach of a person to the dangerous area 500 and stop the dangerous operation of the equipment in the area. When a person or object enters the monitoring area 500, a signal is triggered according to the following example.

  • If a person or object is present in the warning zone 510, the relay contact can be switched to output a corresponding signal. The signal can be used to issue a warning by sound or light. The warning indicates to leave the hazardous area before the protection field is activated and before the system issues a stop signal that triggers a device stop.

  If the person or object is in the safety zone 520, the system switches between two independent relay contacts. This signal leads to immediately stopping the operation of the dangerous equipment.

  Warning, safety, and other zone configurations can be implemented using commercially available Windows-based software for SCD (Safety Configuration and Diagnostics). The warning and safety zone can be easily configured using a mouse of a personal computer, for example. It is easy to click and drag a desired point along the perimeter of the zone while tracing the outline of the zone.

  FIG. 6 illustrates an integrated detector and safety device design 600 according to one aspect of the present invention. This aspect illustrates how the various parts of the safety system described above can be easily packaged in a single container. That is, an intruding object or person that can employ one or more of the following components, processor 610 and associated circuitry, one or more detectors 620, typically one projector 630, but others The associated output component 640 that is triggered by the processor 610 when it is detected can be packaged. Output components include output control to control the switch, electronic functions such as event logs, or remote network access to notify authorized persons of the occurrence of intrusion (s) Various forms such as other functions can be included. As can be appreciated, the system 600 can also be designed in a modular fashion, in which case one or more of the parts 610-640 are adapted to operate remotely from the system. It becomes possible.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a modular design of a detector and safety system 700 according to one aspect of the present invention. In this aspect, one or more of each component of the system can be adapted to function as separate components that communicate with each other. With or without this type of system adapted as a safety system, such a system can be employed as a security system, where it monitors unauthorized intruders in one area When an intrusion into the designated area is detected, a warning and / or alarm is issued. System 700 includes a projector 710 that projects onto area 720. Electromagnetic waves from area 720 are received by one or more detectors 730, which transmit images to a programmable logic controller (PLC) 750 via remote link 740.

  The controller 750 includes an output module 760 that controls the device 770. Thus, the controller 750 can perform image comparison and can activate or deactivate the device 770 via the output module 760. Furthermore, the controller 750 can monitor one or more areas 720 via various detectors 730, even if the device is not controlled. Thereby, if an intruder is detected in each area, the controller records the event, sends an electronic message to the administrator, sounds an alarm, and / or wireless mechanism or more traditional communication Messages can be sent to any location in the form, eg, the Internet.

  FIG. 8 shows a projection angle 800 according to one aspect of the present invention. As mentioned above, electromagnetic energy can be transmitted and received at essentially any angle. The illustration 800 shows different relationships of energy supplied to the area 810 from above the area 820 and / or from below the area 830. Further, energy can be projected from different sides and from different depths of the area, for example as shown at 840 and 850. Further, energy can be received from a plurality of different angles, as shown at 860. As is apparent, intrusion can be detected from multiple angles and directions.

  FIG. 9 illustrates a detection method 900 according to one aspect of the present invention. For clarity of explanation, the method is shown as a series of operations, but it should be understood that the invention is not limited to a particular sequence of operations. Some operations may be performed in a different order in accordance with the present invention and / or may be performed concurrently with operations different from those shown and described herein. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a method can also be expressed as a series of interrelated states or events, such as a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated operations may be required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present invention.

  Prior to 910, a pattern, such as electromagnetic energy, is projected onto an area or designated zone. As described above, this pattern can include essentially any pattern, and the energy can be in the infrared spectrum or other frequency region. At 920, the first image is acquired for the pattern when there are no unauthorized objects in the area. This period often corresponds to the initial introduction of the system. In 930, during operation, images in the designated area are acquired at regular time intervals (which may be irregular). At 940, a determination is made whether an intrusion has occurred. This is done by comparing the acquired initial image with the subsequent image acquired at 930 and determining whether some of the pixels have a different intensity than the original acquired pixel after the comparison. If a change is detected at 940, the process proceeds to 950 to trigger an event such as, for example, activation / deactivation of an output, generation of an alarm, or generation of a notification. If no change is detected at 940, the process returns to 930 to continue monitoring for subsequent intrusions into the designated or defined area. As described above, a three-dimensional reconstruction is possible to determine intrusion in multiple dimensions of space using multiple detectors.

  FIG. 10 illustrates another detection system 1000 for determining a contour in a three-dimensional image according to one aspect of the present invention. In this aspect, the distance A shown at 1010 is shown between camera A 1020 and camera B 1030, and distance A is defined as a known parameter or distance. The angle a 1040 at which camera A 1020 receives input from projection C at 1050 can be known in the same manner as angle b 1060 at which camera B 1030 receives input from projection C 1050. The distance from camera A 1020 and camera B 1030 to projection C 1050 can be determined by simple trigonometry. If this is performed for all projections, a three-dimensional contour image is obtained. Angle a 1040 and angle b 1060 are derived from the two-dimensional images generated by cameras 1020 and 1030, respectively. Some aspects of the system 1000 include:

  1) Angle measurement: A three-dimensional image constructed from two or more two-dimensional images taken with a camera is based on angle measurement. This is done by determining the angular difference when the same projection is detected by the camera. The three-dimensional image is therefore based on angle measurements.

  2) Identification zone: In addition to the “safe zone” and the warning zone, in addition to “other zones”, a predetermined zone programmed in the safety camera is provided, and a specific contour is set for one object placed there. Can be determined. If the contour matches a pre-specified feature, the object is allowed to enter the safety zone without changing the output state. This is similar to shielding with light curtains.

  3) Input: The camera assembly is equipped with one or more inputs to drive the desired function.

  4) Configuration memory: The camera is equipped with a configuration module for recording the programmed configuration to facilitate replacement.

  5) Reference projection: The projector is equipped with one or more reference projections as a base to synchronize the camera as part of the overall assembly to allow angle measurements.

  6) Auxiliary projector: It is possible to provide a specific (eg moving) object in the active zone of a camera incorporating the auxiliary projector. The auxiliary projector can project energy detectable by the camera assembly and use it to track the movement of those object (s) and activate other functions of the camera assembly.

  7) Other functions: Input and / or auxiliary projector can trigger the camera to change a pre-programmed zone (safety, warning, identification, etc.) to another pre-programmed zone, or a safety camera Allows the camera to work with an “active” zone that includes a zone appropriate for the actual state of the device protected by.

  8) System input: The safety camera assembly has one or more I / O ports for connecting one or more safety camera assemblies together to form a function chain.

  What has been described above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is of course impossible to describe every combination of parts and methods to explain the invention. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other combinations and orders of the present invention are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1 is a schematic block diagram of an automated safety system according to one aspect of the present invention. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary detection system according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a projected image of a clear zone according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a projected image of a shaded zone according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows multiple zones and their shapes for one area according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates an integrated design for a detector according to one aspect of the invention. FIG. 4 illustrates a modular design for a detector according to one aspect of the invention. FIG. 6 shows a projection angle according to one aspect of the present invention. The figure which shows the detection method according to one aspect of this invention. FIG. 6 illustrates another detection system for determining the contour of a three-dimensional image according to one aspect of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 System 110 Projector 120 Electromagnetic Energy 130 Area 140 Detector 150 Image 160 Processor 170 Event 200 System 210 Infrared Safety Camera 220 Safety Output 230 Safety Relay 240 Contactor 300 System 310 Safety Camera 320 Camera 330 Projector 340 Projected Image 350 Fixed Object 360, 370 Acquired image 410 Object 420 Projected image 430 Safety camera 440,450 Image 500 Area 510 Warning zone 520 Safety zone 530 Other zone 600 Integrated design 610 Processor 620 Detector 630 Projector 640 Output component 700 System 710 Projector 720 Area 730 Detection 740 Remote Link 750 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
760 Output module 770 Device 800 Projection angle 810 Area 900 Detection method 1000 Detection system 1010 Distance A
1020 Camera A
1030 Camera B
1040 Angle a
1050 Projection C

Claims (35)

An automated safety system,
The system comprising: at least one projector that projects electromagnetic energy to a spatial domain; and at least one detector that senses shielding of electromagnetic energy in the spatial domain.   The system of claim 1, further comprising a processor and a storage component for determining shading by comparing a current image from a detector with an image previously stored in the storage component. And the system including a storage component.   The system of claim 2, wherein the processor triggers an event based on the comparison.   4. The system of claim 3, wherein the event drives an output, stops the device, sounds an alarm, sounds an alarm, stores data associated with the event, and a local or remote system. Sending the notification to the system.   The system of claim 2, wherein the processor constructs at least one of a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image from the detector of claim 1 to determine shading.   The system of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic energy has a wavelength from about 840 nanometers (nm) to about 950 nm.   The system according to claim 1, wherein the spatial region is assigned as a security zone that includes objects that normally exist in the region or does not include objects.   2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the detector monitors for intrusion into the spatial region at predetermined or irregular time intervals.   The system of claim 1, wherein the shading is determined by analyzing pixel intensity from a current image relative to a stored image.   The system according to claim 9, wherein the light shielding is determined from a threshold relating to pixel intensity.   The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one second detector for sensing light shielding, wherein the detector and the second detector are adjusted to different angles. .   The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one safety output and a safety relay for controlling the device.   The system of claim 1, wherein the projector projects a pattern of electromagnetic energy to the spatial region.   The system according to claim 1, wherein the projector includes a zoom lens capable of adjusting a focal length.   The system of claim 1, further comprising software for adjusting one or more zones having similar or different shapes.   16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the zone is configured as a warning zone, a safety zone, or a security zone.   The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one monitoring one or more areas via various detectors, recording events, and sending electronic messages to an administrator. The system comprising a control component that transmits, sounds an alarm, transmits a message essentially wirelessly, and communicates over the Internet. An automated security system,
Means for defining security areas,
Means for projecting an infrared energy image to the security area; and means for detecting light shielding in an infrared energy image received from the security area;
Including said system. A method for providing automated security for an area, comprising:
Projecting an energy pattern onto a defined area;
Obtaining an initial image of the energy pattern and the definition area; and automatically determining whether an intrusion has occurred in the definition area by detecting a shadow in the energy pattern;
Including said method.   20. The method of claim 19, wherein the energy pattern is in the infrared spectrum.   20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of monitoring the definition area at predetermined time intervals.   The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of automatically monitoring the defined area from a remote location via a control system.   20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of comparing the initial image with a subsequent acquired image, and one or more associated pixels after the comparison differing in intensity from the initially acquired pixel. Said method comprising the step of determining whether or not.   The method of claim 19, further comprising at least one of triggering an event, activating or deactivating an output, sounding an alarm, and dispatching a notification. Said method. An automated safety system,
A projector that projects infrared energy to a predetermined area;
At least two cameras receiving infrared energy from the predetermined area;
A processor that drives the safety output based in part on the safety output for controlling the device and the determination of the infrared energy cutoff from the camera;
Including said system. An automated safety system,
At least one projector for projecting electromagnetic energy to one spatial region, and at least two detectors arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, the projector for determining a three-dimensional contour of an object The detector installed at a known angle with respect to
Including said system.   27. The system of claim 26, further comprising an angle measurement component that determines an angular difference when a similar projection is detected by the detector.   27. The system of claim 26, further comprising an identification zone programmed into the detector to determine the contour of the object.   30. The system of claim 28, further determining whether the contour matches a pre-programmed feature, and then causing the object to enter a safety zone without an associated output changing state. Said system comprising a component for allowing intrusion.   27. The system of claim 26, wherein the detector includes one or more inputs for driving subsequent functions.   27. The system of claim 26, wherein the detector comprises a configuration module that stores a programmed configuration to facilitate replacement with other detectors.   27. The system of claim 26, wherein the projector comprises one or more reference projections that serve as a reference for synchronizing the detector as part of the entire assembly to allow angle measurement. Said system.   27. The system of claim 26, wherein the object projects energy detectable by the detector and tracks movement of the object to drive one or more functions in the detector. Said system incorporating an auxiliary projector adopted to do.   34. The system of claim 33, wherein the function is to trigger the detector to change a pre-programmed zone to another pre-programmed zone, or to be protected by the detector. Allowing the detector to cooperate with an “active” zone that includes a zone suitable for the actual state of the system.   27. The system of claim 26, wherein the detector comprises one or more I / O ports for connecting one or more detector assemblies together to form a function chain. system.